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Welcome to the P3 Solutions™ Blog, part of Greener Corporation’s Knowledge Center. Each blog post provides integrated Parts, Process, and People solutions that consider the full range of packaging functions—from film qualification, package formation, and product presentation all the way through to cutting and sealing quality packages—to help you optimize the quality and productivity of your packaging operations.

Cleaning to Improve Package Quality & Productivity

The newest video in Greener Corporation’s “Tech Bites” series demonstrates the benefits of proper cleaning procedures for crimpers and sealing jaws on horizontal flow wrappers and vertical baggers.

Crimpers and sealing jaws occasionally get contaminated with product. It may, at times, be tempting to defer cleaning them, with an eye toward minimizing downtime and meeting production goals. This product build-up, however, can degrade seal quality and decrease productivity by causing problems with jaw pressure and alignment, poor heat transfer, and cutting issues. When proper procedures are followed, cleaning becomes an efficient task—one well worth the time invested.

To properly clean the sealing face you need the right tools. In an effort to quickly clear the jaws and get the machine running, you might grab scissors, a screwdriver, a scraper—whatever is readily available. These hard metal objects, however, can damage the jaws or the knife. Greener’s Kevlar scrapers safely clean both metal jaws and the flexible Kevlar faces of Easy Seal Crimpers. These tools efficiently remove heavy layers of build-up, since they are made to match the serrations on your jaws. Brass and nylon brushes clean the residue left after scraping. On metal surfaces abrasive pads are also a good choice. With any tool, always clean in the direction of the serrations to avoid damaging the sealing face.

How often should sealing jaws be cleaned? As often as possible. Keep the proper tools readily available, but secure them so they don’t ride the feed belt and cause damage. Both jaws require your attention, even when one is difficult to access. And don’t forget to clear the knife slots—many cutting issues stem from product contamination.

Scheduled downtime is a great opportunity for a thorough cleaning. While performing any sanitation or maintenance procedures, remember that in addition to the knife, sealing jaws, and fin seals, the forming collar, tubes, and deck plates are all integral to package quality and productivity. All these components should be handled with care.